Richard H. "Dick" BURDICK

1935 - 2021

BURDICK, Richard H. "Dick" December 28, 1935 - January 24, 2021 Richard H. "Dick Burdick danced into his bride's arms in heaven on January 24, 2021. He was head of his family, loved Jesus, and had a sharp and witty sense of humor that never faded, even after diabetes and a stroke cramped his style. Dick was born in his grandma's house on December 28, 1935 in Sifton Washington outside Vancouver. He was the third child of William and Lilly Burdick. He met his love, Delores LaVonne Baxter, the summer after high school (1953) and they were married in 1956. They were married for over 63 years before LaVonne passed away in 2019. They had four children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was always eager to play with his children and grandchildren. LaVonne and Dick loved to dance together to any music and belonged to a square dance club for years. We remember them pushing aside the furniture to dance if a good song came on the radio. He had a gift for engaging with people and making them feel cared for. This made him an excellent salesman, a good neighbor, and a good friend. Dick was always willing to volunteer in the community or with individuals through his church, Spokane Central Lions club, and friendships. He helped many people get their finances under control and out of trouble. Beginning as a teen, he took many different jobs including selling vacuum cleaners and Cutco knives door-to-door. And he never lost his love for the Cutco knives. We all remember him saying that "Dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones." Dick worked in finance almost all of his adult life. Including in Portland, Myrtle Creek, Roseburg, and Medford Oregon, then was transferred to Spokane in 1977, retiring in 1994. He was a life long member of the Lions Club, known for his support of projects to assist the visually impaired and prevent blindness. He was actively involved and maintained a perfect attendance record until his health declined and he visited Lions Clubs in many countries whenever he traveled. He loved working at the Central Lions Club Beer Garden at the Spokane Fair, joking with members and visitors and offering to trade his smashed straw cowboy hat for anybody else's hat. He was a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve in his 20s. Longtime active members of Open Bible Church of the Valley in Spokane Valley and Radiant Church in Surprise AZ. Eager to volunteer whether delivering magazines, collecting soda can tabs, or counseling and prayer. Dick leaves behind his children Teresa (and Jeff) June, Glenn (and Kellie) Burdick, Laurie (and Dan) Corder, and Deanna (and Steve) Redmond, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. Dick's family especially appreciates Orchard Crest Assisted Living and staff for their care of both Dick and LaVonne these past few years. We know they felt loved. A celebration of life will be held later in the spring as restrictions lift. Please contact one of the children if you would like to attend.